After the extension was built in 1991, again we had to wait and save money to finish things off. In the meantime, we put bricks and planks at the back colonial sliding door to step down to the back yard.

We had plenty of time to plan what we might do to the area. Rather than just a couple of steps, we decided to make it a reasonably sized decked area, which we refer to as “the stage”, because the bluestone-edged steps opposite are reminiscent of tiered seating. I also used to harbour dreams of becoming a famous actress, so the idea of my own personal stage was very appealing.

Sleepers separated the lower and middle tiers on the eastern side of the property, while we had left the western side until we could afford a bluestone wall. The sleeper retaining wall was our first major job in the back yard in 1988. (57/366: let the bobcat begin)

Originally, my design was a straight line across the block dividing the levels. The plan was modified during those few intervening years. Sometimes delayed gratification pays off, as my ideas had time to evolve into the use of curves and angles to make it more interesting.

Hiring an expert in a project of such proportions is highly recommended. As I drove around neighbouring suburbs, I found a wall that was beautifully done, so I enquired within, thus finding out the name and number of Derek, (Garner the Gardener).

Credit goes to Derek for his idea of creating a lower garden incorporated in the design. His craftsmanship was superb. So finally, in December 1991, the first bluestone wall was built. Still standing solidly twenty-one years later, we have never regretted for one minute the expense of its construction.